Choral Director and Students Participated in State Festival
Posted on Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dr. Robin Lind, Westminster College associate professor and director of choral activities, and seven students participated in the Pennsylvania Collegiate Choral Festival Feb. 4-6 at Clarion University.
Students from 14 colleges and universities across Pennsylvania rehearsed all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning and presented a concert Saturday afternoon.
Guest conductor for the festival was Paul Salamunovich, an expert in the field of Renaissance music who has made more than 800 appearances as a conductor and clinician worldwide. Now retired and living in California, Salamunovich conducted the Los Angeles Master Chorale, taught at Loyola-Marymount University, and directed the choirs at St. Bartolomeo Catholic Church for over 60 years.
Westminster students participating were:
Junior music education major Andrew McMurray is a son of Michael and Cheryl McMurray of Cooksburg and a graduate of Venango Catholic High School. He was selected as part of a small group of bass voices to sing a solo in "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Senior music education and sacred music major Jessica Mriso is a daughter of Randolph and Renee Mriso of Natrona Heights and a graduate of Highlands High School.
Junior music education major Ali Pabrinkis is a daughter of Karen Dodson of Pittsford, N.Y., and John Pabrinkis of Rochester, N.Y., and a graduate of Pittsford Mendon High School. "As an aspiring choral conductor, I learned so much from Mr. Salamunovich, who came to every rehearsal knowing exactly what he wanted from the choir: the tone, the expression, the feel, everything," Pabrinkis said. "He was a very gracious man and I absolutely loved having the opportunity and privilege to work with him."
Freshman music education major Anthony Pezzelle is a son of Natalie Pezzelle of Monessen and a graduate of Belle Vernon High School.
Sophomore Spanish major Marlee Tonks is a daughter of Floyd and Cindy Tonks of Greenville and a graduate of Greenville High School.
Junior music education major Victoria Walker is a daughter of James and Linda Walker of Worthington and a graduate of Kittanning High School.
Senior music education major Kelsey Weightman is a daughter of Scott and Larinda Weightman of Jeannette and a graduate of Jeannette High School. "Attending the Collegiate Choral festival was an enjoyable experience," Weightman said. "It gave some insight on the choral programs at other colleges, what they are doing, and how we compare. We are extremely lucky to have worked with Mr. Salamunovich, a gifted and gracious man who performs brilliantly in front of a choir. I took away new ways to explain and approach not only technique, but also what you want out of the choir as a whole, which I'm certain will prove beneficial throughout my teaching career."
Lind attended rehearsals with other directors and met for a board meeting and reading session of choral music.
Contact Lind at (724) 946-7278 or e-mail lindra@westminster.edu for more information.
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